Normally, it's just a yellow dot.
It turns green when sensing goodwill.
And red when encountering hostility.
But it's not 100% reliable.
Even people can't always tell whether someone is genuinely kind or just putting on an act—how can a bug be expected to judge? At best, it's just a reference point.
The real judgment has to come from people.
There might be a Nen ability that can distinguish good from evil with complete accuracy, but if it exists, it must be extremely difficult to develop—its conditions and vows would have to be strict and punishing.
...
"Captain, doesn't something feel off about this city?"
Ponzu asked suddenly.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know. Ever since we arrived, I've felt uneasy."
Kaizen glanced over.
"It's not our concern. We're here to take on a request and finish the job. That's it. No reason to stick our noses where they don't belong."
"…Got it."
...
Karoo Manor.
The central building stood tall, built in the style of a lavish castle.
Inside one of its enormous, open rooms—complete with pools and drinks—a young man lounged at the center. A middle-aged butler stood respectfully nearby.
"Karoo-san," the butler said. "The guards are in position."
"What about Tucker?"
"Tucker is stationed outside."
"I heard he brought two people with him?"
"Yes. They've arrived."
"What kind of people?"
"One is a young man, just a bit younger than Tucker. The other is a very petite girl."
Karoo's interest visibly perked up at the mention of a girl.
"Is she pretty?"
"Yes, very."
"What if I invite them over now?"
The butler hesitated. "I'm afraid they may not come. After all, they were recruited by Lord Tucker."
"Then what's the problem?"
"I believe Lord Tucker wouldn't approve…"
Karoo cut him off coldly. "Left and right it's Lord Tucker this, Master Tucker that. Whose butler are you?"
Thud!
The butler immediately dropped to his knees.
"Forgive me, Karoo-sama! I serve you alone! I was only focused on your safety due to the growing threat from the Dark Night—please understand!"
Karoo snorted.
"Tch. Tucker really thinks he's someone important now."
"But you're not wrong. The Dark Night's been a pain lately."
"Why the hell are they targeting me all of a sudden?"
"I haven't messed with them…"
"It's revolting."
"When Tucker captures them, I'll make sure they're locked in the basement. I'll give them the kind of punishment they'll never forget."
He sneered, but then waved a hand.
"Enough about that. Talking about them pisses me off. I'm heading downstairs."
"If anything happens, inform me immediately."
"Yes, Karoo-sama."
Karoo moved to the corner of the room and pressed a hidden switch.
Click!
A concealed door opened, revealing a staircase descending into the basement.
He went down.
The space below was vast—nearly the same size as the building above. But more than the scale, what mattered was that this place was Karoo's real domain.
Food, women, games—none of it excited him anymore.
Only this basement gave him true pleasure.
...
Cells lined the walls—reinforced, metal cages.
Boys. Girls.
Some shrank back in horror at the sound of Karoo's footsteps. Others didn't react at all.
They were already numb.
Karoo stopped in front of a particular cell.
Inside, a girl glared at him with unfiltered hatred.
"You're going to die a horrible death."
Karoo only smiled.
"That look… I like it."
"Guess I'll start with you today."
He unlocked the door and stepped in.
The girl leapt at him.
But the gap in strength was insurmountable. One kick sent her crashing to the floor. She curled up in pain.
Karoo grabbed her by the hair and dragged her out.
The girl had no clothes, her skin scraping against the cold ground, leaving behind raw trails of blood.
She screamed.
Karoo's mood visibly lifted.
Soon, he reached a secret chamber deeper in the basement.
At the center stood a massive pillar.
He tied the girl to it—arms and legs restrained, body fully exposed.
Karoo gave a whistle.
A hound emerged from the shadows, tail wagging, eyes fixed on him.
He tossed a pill to the beast. It swallowed it whole.
Its eyes darkened, glazed with heat.
Karoo pointed.
"Go."
The hound lunged.
The girl, still fully conscious, could only scream.
Her body and mind were assaulted, her voice broken by pain.
Karoo smiled.
"You're a monster!" she spat. "A freak! You'll die in pieces!"
But her curses only fed his twisted delight.
...
What Karoo didn't notice...
In a shadowed corner of the basement, inside another cell, someone slowly pulled out a small vial hidden within their clothes.
They uncorked it.
A wave of colorless, odorless gas seeped out.
No one noticed—neither Karoo nor his staff.
...
Somewhere else in the city...
Three figures stood silently in the darkness.
A fly buzzed past them and veered toward the direction of the spreading gas.
"We found it."
"It's time."
A woman stepped forward.
"I'll handle Tucker's side. You two take care of the rest."
"Got it."
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